Citizenship Application

At Voloshko Law Office, PC in Walnut Creek, CA, our immigration attorneys assist clients throughout the Bay Area, including Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties, with U.S. citizenship (naturalization) applications. We speak English, Spanish, Romanian, and Russian.

Eligibility Requirements for U.S. Citizenship

To apply for citizenship, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age

   •    Be at least 18 years old at the time of application.

2. Permanent Resident Status

   •    Be a lawful permanent resident (LPR) for 5 years, or 3 years if married to and living with a U.S. citizen.

3. Continuous Residence

   •    Live continuously in the U.S. as an LPR for 5 years (or 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens).

   •    Trips outside the U.S. should not exceed 6 months without explanation.

4. Physical Presence

   •    Be physically present in the U.S. for at least 30 months (out of the past 5 years), or 18 months (out of the past 3 years for spouses of U.S. citizens).

5. State Residency

   •    Reside in the state or USCIS district where you file your application for at least 3 months before applying.

6. Good Moral Character

   •    Demonstrate good moral character (e.g., no serious criminal record or immigration violations).

7. English Language and Civics Knowledge

   •    Be able to speak, read, and write basic English (exceptions apply for older applicants with long-term residency).

   •    Pass a civics test on U.S. history and government.

8. Oath of Allegiance

   •    Be willing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S.

Steps to Apply for Citizenship

1. Complete Form N-400

   •    File the Application for Naturalization (Form N-400) online or by mail.

   •    Supporting documents include your green card, evidence of marital status, travel records, and proof of spouse's U.S. citizenship if applying under the 3-year rule.

2. Pay the Application Fee

   •    The filing fee is $640 (plus $85 biometric fee), for a total of $725. Fee waivers may be available for low-income applicants.

3. Attend Biometrics Appointment

   •    USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.

4. Attend the Citizenship Interview

   •    A USCIS officer will review your application and ask questions about your background and eligibility.

   •    You will take the English and civics tests during this interview unless exempt.

5. Receive a Decision

   •    Approval: You're eligible for citizenship.

   •    Continued: More evidence or a second interview is required.

   •    Denial: Your application does not meet the requirements.

6. Take the Oath of Allegiance

   •    If approved, USCIS will invite you to an Oath Ceremony. After taking the oath, you receive your Certificate of Naturalization.

Exceptions and Accommodations

English Language Exemptions

   •    Applicants 50+ years old who have lived in the U.S. as an LPR for 20+ years ("50/20 rule").

   •    Applicants 55+ years old who have lived in the U.S. as an LPR for 15+ years ("55/15 rule").

Disability Waivers

   •    Applicants with physical or developmental disabilities can request an exemption from the English and civics tests with Form N-648.

Benefits of U.S. Citizenship

   •    The right to vote in federal and state elections.

   •    Eligibility for certain government jobs and benefits.

   •    Protection from deportation.

   •    Ability to sponsor relatives for immigration.

   •    U.S. passport access and international protections.

Contact Voloshko Law Office, PC at (925) 705-9796 or schedule a consultation to speak with a citizenship attorney in Walnut Creek, CA.